UNITEDRANT

van der Sar confirms new contract

Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has signed a new one-year contract with the club that will keep the great Dutchman at Old Trafford until June 2011. The contract, worth around £5 million, is reward the the stoppers’ continuing good form. The former-Ajax ‘keeper has played 16 times for the club in an injury-hit season.

The news, broken last week but confirmed by United today, ensures a sixth season at the club for the 39-year-old player. van der Sar, who joined United in a £2.5 million deal in June 2005, has missed games this season due to hand and knee injuries, together with a serious illness for his wife Annemarie.

“Edwin’s professionalism and dedication to his job and the way he looks after himself as a professional has given him the longevity in the game,” Sir Alex Ferguson told ManUtd.com

“That longevity includes such great experience not just at United, but at Juventus, Ajax and on an international level. We are absolutely delighted he is continuing for another year.”

van der Sar, who has appeared 207 times for United, is credited with a resurgence in United’s form during February following the Dutchman’s return to fitness.

“This is a great club and I was shown a great deal of compassion and support during a difficult time in December and January for which I am extremely grateful. I am looking forward to winning more trophies with this great team.”

United is now unlikely to spend heavily on a new goalkeeper this summer. The club has been linked with big-money transfer moves for CSKA Moscow’s Igor Akinfeev and Schalke’s Manuel Neuer.

Doubts also exist about the long-term futures of United reserves Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak, who have each played 13 games this season.